San Diego

 Yesterday we were in San Diego. Because it was the first US port since our visit to Cabo San Lucas, all passengers had to disembark and have a face to face immigration with CBP agents. We got off the ship at 9:30 and there was a line of about 100 people. The line moved quickly and we cleared by 10. Angie had seen information about a place called Sunset Cliff Natural Park, so we arranged for a Lyft (rideshare) and took a 20 minute ride out to this area. It is well described. Huge cliffs!! And you really appreciate the power of the water when you see the erosion. They have tried to create some artificial breakwater which helps a little, but the water still does what water always does. Still a fascinating place. They have a walking path and you can be more adventurous and walk down parts of the cliffs to the beach area. I think getting down would be much easier than getting back up as there wasn't a proper trail of any kind.  

It is a popular area for surfers and we saw one area where a man was on top of a cliff and jumped off!! We heard a "local" tell us the water was about 55°F (12°C), but that apparently didn't deter him. 

After we got to the end of the path, it was time to think about some lunch. Angie found a brewery in Ocean Beach so we arranged a Lyft and headed to Ocean Beach Brewing. We tried one of their sour beers (one of my favorite styles) and it was delicious!! The bartender said if we liked sour beers, to check out California Wild which was a short walk down the street. They had a really good selection of sours. And perhaps the friendliest bartender I've ever met. Plus they had some table games to play while you enjoyed their beers.  

Now it was time for some lunch. We were going to meet Katie who works with Angie at her travel agency. We'd be going to Little Italy. Katie recommended a place called Buon Appetito and it was fabulous. We had some delicious homemade meatballs baked in a spicy marina. Also some baked goat cheese that was served on pesto and had sides of caramelized onions and roasted garlic along with some small toasts. Such a great start!! I always gravitate towards lasagna at an Italian restaurant and it was the same here. Delicate thin layers of lasagna surrounding beef, pork, veggies, ricotta and some of the same marina. I still had some sauce leftover from the meatballs which I used to further enhance the dish. Angie had Orecchiette which was combined with broccoli rabe, fresh tomatoes and spicy and savory Italian sausage. Both dishes we so good!!  

We chatted for awhile and then it was time to head back to the ship. It about a 15 minute walk to the port. No Lyft needed this time. And such a great sunny day!!

Once back on the ship, we headed to Cafe Al Bacio for some tea. We both had the African Solstice tea. It is a bit spicy like chai but also has a sweetness. Just what I needed!!  

After our tea, we headed to the cabin for a mandatory rest period. We got ready for our final dinner onboard by saying hello to everyone at the Martini Bar. Then it was showtime in the main theater. Tonight was "Rock City" which was described as a show celebrating the greatest anthems in rock history. They had many rock favorites including Queen's "Radio Ga Ga", "I Want to Break Free", Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer". Some great vocal performances. I could have done without U2's "One" and the decision to have the three men sing Last Gaga's "Born this Way" was a misstep. But overall a crowd pleasing show. interesting choreography. There were a few people in the front row and they practically received a private concert from one of the singers.  

It was then time for dinner at Sushi on Five. We were having dinner with Santos!! Some wonderful dishes including our favorite Shrimp and Lobster Wontons along with a Dragon Roll. I just love the combination of the eel and hoisin sauce. Plus we had a wonderful conversation with Santos. I just love to see someone so passionate about the work he does also be rewarded and respected by the company he works for. It doesn't always happen that way.  

After our great dinner, we headed back to the World Class Bar and had another Zacapa Old Fashioned. And Yuliana also made us a rose cocktail which has pureed raspberries. So refreshing!! It as then time to head back to the cabin.   

Today we disembarked at San Pedro at 7:15. We did self assist which is where you take all your own luggage off the ship. You don't leave anything outside your cabin the night before. We jumped in a taxi and made it to LAX by 7:45. Checked our bags by 8 and are now sitting in the Delta Sky Lounge. Had some snacks and tea. We'll board at 10:30 and will land at 6:30 Tampa time. We have some doctor appointments and other stuff to take care of before we head in our next adventure.